Chapter 38: Appointment

Translator: Soafp

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It has been about five days since the summer vacation started. Today, the usual four of us decided to go out and have fun together, so I got on the train and headed to the station where we were to meet up.

During these five days, I had three days to work part-time and two days to go to the library to read books. It was very hot and hard to move around because it was noon when I left my house to go to my part-time job and to go to the library. I had played badminton in junior high school, so I thought I would be good in the heat, but the first time I went to the library, it took me about 15 minutes to get there by bicycle at about 1:30 p.m. I really thought I was going to die. Well, it was cool once I got inside the library, so it didn’t really matter, but I did reflect on the fact that I should take better measures against heat from now on.

　Also, I had never used a library before, but I was surprised at how many stares I received. I had often received unwanted stares at school, so I wonder if that had an effect on me. ……Well, that’s okay. I’m going to keep going and try not to mind as much as possible.　

　That’s how my summer vacation started, and it’s the sixth day. Today, all four of us had just about none of our usual plans, so we decided to go out and have fun. Surprisingly, we had time together right away. ……

The first time I’ve gone out for fun was during Golden Week when I went to see a movie with Yuki.

　…… I’m getting kind of nervous.

I got here by reading a book I borrowed from the library, but I have a feeling that my reading speed is slowing down as I get closer to the meeting place. Maybe it’s because it’s been a while since we’ve met face to face, although we’ve exchanged messages.

　I put the book in the bag I was carrying and looked at what I had searched on my cell phone about today’s destination.

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When I arrived at the meeting place, I found Yuki there.

　I was there about 20 minutes before the meeting time, but he was already there.

　I walked toward Yuki, who was fiddling with his cell phone in a restless manner, and raised my hand to call out to him.

“Good morning. You’re early.”

“Oh, Shota. Osu.”

“It’s been a while.”

That being said, I was a little relieved that not only I was not the only one who felt it had been a long time.

When I looked around to see if there might be someone waiting for me elsewhere, I saw that Yuki was staring at me as if he was observing me.

“Eh, something matter?”

“No, …… it’s nothing.”

“Eh, really?”

Did he seem to be observing me from above and below?　I’m not really dressed weird, am I ……? It shouldn’t be too different from the last time we played during Golden Week. Other than the fact that it was hot and I wasn’t wearing one piece of clothing on top, it shouldn’t have been any different.

“Ou. ……But still, it’s been a long time since I’ve been to an amusement park. It has been about one or two years since I was in junior high school.”

　I still feel that Yuki is somewhat restless when he starts off like that.

　Be that as it may, we are going to an amusement park today. Originally, there was talk of going to the park or the Sea World, but due to my wallet, we decided to go to an amusement park where admission is free.

“I haven’t been there since …… my sister wanted to go there when I was in the sixth grade.”

“Hoh.”

I think that time, Haruka said that she wanted to go with everyone, and my father pulled me along when I wasn’t keen on the idea. It brings back memories.

“…… Also, it’s the first time I’ve gone out with girls since I can remember. ……”

“Ah.”

　So you felt kind of restless. When you play with the opposite sex, do you also get nervous ……? I thought you were the type of person who doesn’t care too much about …… school or something, because you’re usually involved.

“I’m starting to get nervous.”

“……Well, getting together will help relieve some of the tension.”

There are still about 15 minutes to go, though. Well, we have a lot to talk about and it will pass soon.

　About 5 minutes before the meeting time, I saw Obata-san and Miyamoto-san from the ticket gate. Obata-san is holding her index finger up to her mouth. …… I should keep my mouth shut.

“Abe, Ishikawa, long time no see! It’s hot!”

“Good morning.”

Obata-san tapped Yuki’s shoulder from behind and said so. Yuki was quite surprised, and Obata seemed to be pleased to see him. And Miyamoto-san greeted me normally as usual.

“Ou, you scared the hell out of me. ……. You guys came together?”

“Yes, we were on the same train on the way.”

　Obata-san says with a mischievous smile.

……I guess Obata-san is like this to everyone when she gets to know someone. I thought so when I first met him, but something about her seems to make all kinds of boys misunderstand her.

“Well, now that we’re all here, do you want to go?”

“I guess so.”

　We decided to leave quickly because there were many people here in front of the station. When the two girls arrived, I suddenly felt like I was attracting a lot of attention.

This was the first time I had seen Miyamoto-san and Obata-san in their casual clothes, but both of them looked somewhat the same as I had imagined. Miyamoto-san looked cute with a calm atmosphere, while Obata-san looked energetic and lively. I don’t know about their clothes, as I have never really paid attention to them, but I guess they must be fashionable.

“Huh, are you sure this is the right way?”

“Eh? Yes. I think it’s this way, right? Let’s see …… look, you can see the Ferris wheel over there.”

I pointed to the Ferris wheel, which was already in view, and Miyamoto-san pointed at it, and said, “You’re right,” and looked a little embarrassed.

“I-I’m sorry. I’m not very good at maps. ……”

“Heh, …….”

　I learned something new. It’s interesting to discover something unusual and new.

Beside me, Ariki and Obata were mysteriously getting excited talking about how they were okay with maps.

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As we walked, we talked about our respective summer vacation plans and soon arrived at the amusement park. When I told them about Yuki’s badminton tournament, they were both very interested…… especially Obata-san, and said she wanted to go see the tournament. Well, it’s good that she wants to see it, but I have to tell her to just be prepared for the heat.

　So now we are in an amusement park. The system here is that admission is free, but you have to pay to ride the attractions. There is an all-you-can-ride system, but I don’t plan to ride that many attractions, so I don’t think I need to buy one.

“The roller coasters are something I’d like to ride all the time.”

“I’m fine with just one… I’m not very good at these things.”

“I don’t think I’ll ride it more than once either.”

It is not that I am not good at roller coasters. I don’t mean to be stingy, but I don’t like the idea of riding so many times.

“Eh, seriously? I was already planning on riding all kinds of things, and I thought roller coasters were supposed to be five laps long.”

“Really?”

　I’ve never heard of five laps. Usually, a roller coaster is one ride, three at the most.

As we were about to walk to the back of the train while talking like that, Obata-san raised her voice.

“Huh, aren’t you going to buy the unlimited ride? You have to buy it over there.”

“”Eh, you’re buying it?””

“I was not going to buy it at all.”

Obata-san’s voice overlaps Miyamoto-san’s, who had no intention of buying anything at all, with a look of disbelief on her face.

“Of course I’m going to buy it. I mean, if you’re going to ride to some extent, you might as well buy the unlimited ride.”

I was thinking of putting it to bed so that it wouldn’t be a gain. ……

Obata and Yuki tried to persuade us by talking about the number of attractions in this amusement park, attractions with good turnover rate, and so on.

“Well, ……, let’s buy it then, I guess?”

“Haha, then I’ll buy one too. If we’re going to go all the way, let’s ride it out.”

　If everyone else is buying, I’ll buy it as well. Well, it’s okay at least this much. It’s not a big expense.

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